600 Degrees of Separation

An old gentleman on a deserted country road just outside a picturesque small town, strolling in my direction. He smiles as we pass each other, says, “How are you?”, walks on. I return the greeting, thinking, “Nice people here.” An old gentleman on a bustling city sidewalk, strolling in my direction. He smiles as we pass each other, says, “How are you?”, walks on. With a quick backward glance and a self-conscious half-smile frozen on my face, I’m thinking, “Do I know this guy?” “What does he want?” “Another weirdo.” Humanity has a way of crowding out humanity.